For Immediate Release:

Wednesday, July 24, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that she has secured important federal funding for Kitsap County transportation projects in the fiscal year 2003 transportation spending bill.

The funding will address critical infrastructure needs throughout the region, including bridges, busses, airports and transit facilities.

In addition to the earmarked funding, Washington state will also receive hundreds of millions of dollars in federal highway and transit formula funding. Washington state will receive $510 million in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) grants and $101 million in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants to address transportation issues across the state.

"I am proud to have helped direct federal funding to Kitsap County and Washington state in this year's transportation bill," Senator Murray said. "Our region's economy is facing tough times and we must do all that we can to keep jobs and business in Kitsap County. This increased money will help improve the flow of passengers and traffic through the ferry terminals, and safely across the Puget Sound."

Transportation earmarks for Kitsap County:

City of Bremerton, Ferry Exit Tunnel - $3 million Funding would be used to do preliminary engineering and design for a tunnel exit for vehicles off-loading from ferries at the Bremerton Terminal. This project would help avoid excessive traffic on the streets of Bremerton when ferry traffic is off loading.

Kitsap Transit, Sidney Landing Terminal - $2 million This project will help construct new docks, ramps and floats, including ADA access "Ramp Rider," bus stops, and shelters and a bus lane.

Washington State Ferries, Rich Passage Passenger Ferry Project - $1 million This project will analyze the most feasible approach to high-speed water transportation between the cities of Bremerton and Seattle in Washington State.